Na Piarsaigh Óga Hall of Fame 2017 - John O'Kane

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Created: 01 March 2018

Growing up, just behind the bottom goals in the old Gaelic Field in Nialls Cresent, John was always going to be a Pearse Óg man. His pals and neighbours Gerry Carson, Eugene Toner, Brendan Murtagh, Larry Lyttle and Eamonn Donaldson were all part of the influx of young talent and as a 20yr old John was part of the first Intermediate Championship side of 1967 and followed up again in 1973. In those years he had great admiration for the likes of Frank Mallon and Harry McGeogh.

John continued playing into the latter part of the 70's captaining the 'B' team in the newly formed Reserve competitions. As his playing career came to a close John became involved at underage and as his occupation as a lorry driver was noticed he soon found himself becoming the clubs bus driver. His driving of the bus to camping trips in Sligo with the craic still recalled even to this very day, as is senior 'Bonding' week-ends to Killkee in Co.Clare and Glasgow.

John also found time to go onto the clubs commitee and served the club for many years. This included spells as Secretary, Vice Chairperson and Chairperson being in that position in 1985 when President Dr. Donal Keenan offically opened the newly built clubrooms, ironically at the back of Johns own home. He also represented Pearse Ógs at County Board meetings. Through thick and thin times he stuck by the Ógs and he certainly knew how to celebrate the successes of which there were many. The underage Glory Days at 16, Minor and U21, the Senior Championships, the runs in the Ulster Club Championships as John developed his own shout of 'HELLLO'. Individually he recalls the heroics of Brian and Kieran Hughes aswell as the All-Stars coming to the club via Gerard Houlihan, Ronan Clarke and Andy Mallon.

Johns love for the GAA doesn't end with Pearse Óg as he is also an out and out Armagh supporter. Not only does he follow Armagh home and away, being in Mullingar and Tullamore already this year, but he is also a contributor to 'My Armagh'.

Married to Phil who sadly passed away a few years ago their home life envolved around their daughters Deborah and Sinead, who excelled at camogie and son John Og, Senior Footballer and presently Club Chairman and he also has five grandchildren who ware the Ógs colours.

In 2014 John was deeply honoured to be elected Club President to cap a remarkable lifetime spent with Pearse Óg.

To sum him up John O'Kane is the Face of Pearse Óg, John O'Kane is Pearse Óg. A very worthy Hall of Fame recipient. Congratulations!